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Independence Monument. Independence Monument is all that remains of what was once a continuous ridge that connected the mesa I am standing on to the massive rock called "The Island" to the east (right). Relentless erosion of the massive Wingate Sandstone has left this 450-foot (137 meters) high monolith with its protective sandstone caprock of Kayenta Formation. One of the most popular rock-climbing destinations is this free-standing "monument". On July 4th, local climbers raise the American flag on top, carrying on a tradition started by John Otto in 1909. Image taken July 3, 2011. Image is 28% size of original.
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last updated: December 21, 2011